Hematological, Genotoxic and Oxidative Stress Response in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia) Exposed to Varying Concentrations of Ethanolic Extract of Commelina benghalensis

This study evaluated the hematological, genotoxic and oxidative stress biomarkers of Oreochromisniloticus exposed to different concentrations of ethanolic extract of Commelina benghalensis (Dayflower). Sublethal exposure at 1% and 10% LC50 was done for twenty-one (21) days with physico-chemical parameters of cultured water and behavioral responses assessed. Hematological; genotoxic; antioxidant enzyme and non-enzyme activities studies were analyzed using standard methods. Results showed increase in the levels of Red blood cells; heamoglobin and white blood cells across extract concentrations compared to control. The number of micronucleated cells increased compared to control; though not significant difference (p>0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD); reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathionde-S-transferase (GST) activities were inhibited by the plant extract; while the level of lipid peroxidation as expressed by malondialdehyde (MDA) increased compared to control. Skin colour change; erratic swimming and mortality were observed at both higher concentration (10%) and lower concentration (1%) of the extract; though behavioral response at 10% extract concentration was higher than 1% extract concentration. In conclusion; the plant C.benghalensis has the potential to exert stress and promote cellular damage in contrast to its ability to boost the blood status of O. niloticus at varying concentration.